John Kerry is Lying About Taxing the Middle Class... according to his own tax plan

Blogs For Bush ^ | Oct. 11, 2004 | Jason Smith

[conservativecorner]

In the debate on Friday night, John Kerry was asked if he'd raise taxes on families making under $200,000. In a memorable moment, John Kerry looked right into the camera and lied to America.

JAMES VARNER: Senator Kerry, would you be willing to look directly into the camera and, using simple and unequivocal language, give the American people your solemn pledge not to sign any legislation that will increase the tax burden on families earning less than $200,000 a year during your first term?

JOHN KERRY: "Absolutely. Yes. Right into the camera. Yes. I am not going to raise taxes."

But that website he told us to visit to look at all of his grand plans says something quite different.

In fact, John Kerry's plan specifically says he'll "Restore the top two tax rates to their levels under President Clinton".

Well, that "plan" would actually raise taxes on people making as little as $80,000. I guess it's easier to look into a camera and lie through your teeth than it is to actually discuss a tax plan that will raise taxes on the middle class.

Let's look at the tax rates...

The top rate is currently 35% for taxable income above:

$311,950 if you're Single

$311,950 if you're Married and Filing Jointly

$155,975 if you're Married and Filing Separately

$311,950 if you're a Head of Household

The second highest rate is currently 33% for taxable income above:

$143,500 if you're Single

$174,700 if you'43 Married and Filing Jointly

$ 87,350 if you're Married and Filing Separately

$159,100 if you're a Head of Household

So what will the tax rates look like under Kerry's plan? According to the statement on his website that he'll "Restore the top two tax rates to their levels under President Clinton" - here's what they'll look like (based on the year 2000 tax rates):

The top rate was 39.6% for taxable income above:

$288,350 if you're Single, Married Filing Joint or Head of Household

The second highest rate was 36% on taxable income above:

$132,600 if you're Single

$161,450 if you're Married Filing Jointly

$ 80,725 if you're Married and Filing Separately

$147,050 if you're a Head of Household

So John Kerry's plan won't just increase taxes on those making over $200,000. In fact, John Kerry's plan will actually raise taxes on folks making as little as $80,000.

So much for all that "wealthiest one percent" mantra. Is it too difficult for people to understand that John Kerry is just lying to get votes?

[GoLightly]

Lockhardt came out right after the debate & splained that John really meant $100K. Ooops, looks like even that was a lie. Whoda thunk?

[geopyg]

Just copied this to verify and then send to many of my friends. Thanks.

[kellynla]

No economy in history has ever improved by raising taxes...

[Wphile]

BTTT - great fodder for letters!

[728b]

I had not heard that.

Do you have a link so I can hammer some liberals with it?

Thanks

[Puddleglum]

I hope Bush raises this info in the final debate. It's a stunningly bold-faced lie. Surprised the media hasn't jumped all over it [/sarcasm].

[Paladin2]

I hadn't seen that ($100k) either.

I do note the following qualification in the above quotes:

"during your first term"

[Puddleglum]

PS - If I could find Lou Dobbs' e-mail address I'd send him this info and ask if he might be willing to verify it.

[GoLightly]

I heard it in passing on the tube & can not find anything to prove my claim. If I find something, I'll let you know.

[newzjunkey]

We now know that John & Tuhreeeeeezuh paid an effective 12.5% tax rate!

[PeterFinn]

The Wall Street Journal today is reporting Kerry & his wife paid 12% taxes on their several million$ is earning$ la$t year.

[Kleon]

I wish I made as little as $80K.

[GoLightly]

Maybe you were listening better. Do you know exactly what he said?

[weegee]

John Kerry: "I'm Oprah! EVERYBODY gets a tax hike!"

[Mercat]

The better argument is that raising the taxes on these two brackets alone will not come anywhere near cutting the deficit in half. There just isn't enough money there.

[lepton]

bookmark bump

[Area51]

This tax cut crap is right out of the Bill Clinton play book.

Anyone remember how that played out. What 30 days after inaguration he played the "I worked the hardest I ever worked trying to get that middle class tax cut, but we just couldn't do it."

Turned out everyone making 25K or more got the tax srews put to them. Of course those that didn't pay in got a increase in their Welfare check called EITC.

[Puddleglum]

bttt